Indigeneity And Citizenship Questions In Nigeria: A Critical Reflection

Abstract

subjects of endless debates and sustained inquiries among scholars. Despite the negative implications of indigeneity on the health of Nigerian polity, it has continued to re-vibrate and spread like wide fire across the length and breadth of country. This study examined the challenges posed by indigeneity to citizenship rights, peaceful co-existence and stability of the Nigerian state. The study adopted qualitative method in carrying out its investigation. The data employed for the study were gathered from secondary sources while content analysis and narrative analytical techniques were utilized for data analysis. As such the information employed for analysis in the study were carefully extracted from logical chains of evidence presented in journal papers, conference papers, periodic papers, edited books, documentary materials among others. The theoretical framework that anchored this study is the social exclusion theory. Tiie study reveals that non indigenes in Nigeria face discriminatory practices, which erode their socio-economic benefits and political rights and reduce them to second class citizens. These exclusions and humiliations when resisted by the non indigenes often generate conflicts in some parts of the country. It recommended the amendment of the 1999 constitution to expunge the indigeneity clause. Again, government should demonstrate strong political will and commitment towards ending the ugly practice by promulgating laws that provide stiff punishments for individuals or groups that engage in such unwholesome practices. It equally recommended that states of residence rather than states of origin should be the basis for access to socio-economic benefits and political power in Nigeria.